Did You Think Jehovah’s Witnesses Were Typically “Racists”? (page 5)

DesirousOfChange

I witnessed (haha) very little racism or bigotry between JWs of different races. However, I think there often was the same racism/bigotry towards non-JW's of different races. It was like THESE FOLKS were OK -- BECAUSE they were JW's. Being a JW it seems, made them different (OK) from the rest of persons of their race.

Ultimate Axiom

Just because you don't agree, doesn't mean she isn't correct.

I don't disagree, and I think she was correct. But at the time (when I imagine the divorce rate among mixed race couples was even higher than today) I thought it was odd coming from a JW. Incidentally, my first marriage was mixed race - it lasted 14 years - but race was never an issue..

Dagney

Interesting thread. Growing up in Southern California in the 60's, everywhere including the KH was racially diverse. So I don't know anything different. Hispanics, Japanese, black, white made up grade school through high school and the congregation. As a kid we were all friends. It would be interesting to know if there was any racism felt.

I loved the fact as I would run into the older sisters at conventions as a 50+ year old, they would pull me to their chest and still call me "baby girl." But who knows what they and their husbands and kids went through with others at the hall...

I wish I could still talk to some of them, but being "out" makes it too complicated.

blondie

Here is a Questions from Readers from 1973 regarding interracial marriages. Reporting not supporting.

https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1973887?q=interracial&p=par

● What is the view of Jehovah’s witnesses toward interracial marriage?—France.

Jehovah’s witnesses at all times seek to reflect the Biblical view of matters. The Bible does not specifically discuss interracial marriage. It does, however, show how Jehovah God views humankind and it provides guiding principles for those considering marriage...

Nevertheless, not all persons share this broadened viewpoint, nor do all appreciate Bible standards. Many deep-seated prejudices remain in the world of mankind. A Christian, being realistic, must face life as it is—not as he wishes it might be.

In a few places, there are even laws making interracial marriages illegal. When that is the case, Christians are under Scriptural obligation to obey them, as such laws do not make it impossible for them to worship God with “spirit and truth.” (John 4:24;Rom. 13:1) Of course, if a Christian would prefer to move to a locality where such laws are not enforced, he is certainly free to do so.

In other communities, local prejudices produce discrimination and unkind treatment toward those of certain races of mankind. These prejudices do not make interracial marriage wrong. For the discerning Christian, nonetheless, they may give cause for thought as to the advisability of such marriage. No matter what the racial backgrounds of the mates, marriage of itself requires much adjustment on the part of both persons to be successful and to bring happiness. Human imperfection causes all marriages to bring some measure of ‘tribulation in the flesh,’ as the apostle Paul wisely points out. (1 Cor. 7:28) In certain localities, where racial prejudices are strong, this could put added strain on the marital relationship and could be especially trying for any children resulting. So the Christian should give thoughtful consideration to the probable consequences before entertaining the prospect of interracial marriage.

Persons of different races may have very similar backgrounds, culturally, socially and as to education. Or their backgrounds may be very different. Sometimes the varied habits, attitudes and customs that go with different backgrounds seem to add interest to the marriage union. Yet widely differing backgrounds, even among marriage mates of the same race, can and sometimes do give rise to problems, making marital adjustment more difficult. In making his decision, the Christian should also rightly weigh these factors—for the other person’s happiness as well as his own.

The Christian is under obligation to proclaim the good news of the Kingdom to others. (Matt. 24:14; 28:19, 20) As a factor, then, he may consider whether or not interracial marriage is likely to create a seriously adverse effect on the attitude of the people in his community toward this Kingdom-announcement work. The examples of Christ Jesus and his apostles show that they were willing to forgo things to which they had a right rather than severely hinder persons from being receptive to the truth of God’s Word.—Rom. 15:3; 1 Cor. 10:32, 33.

However, after weighing all these factors thoughtfully, each Christian must make his own decision—in good conscience and motivated by love for God and for his neighbor.

Giordano

Racist to the core.......read it for yourself:

https://www.watchtowerlies.com/racism_in_watchtower_publications.html

sickandtired

Jehovah’s Witnesses as a whole never seemed racist to me, but I remember a time when I was growing up hearing a white sister say that her dad would disown her if she married a black brother - and her dad was an elder at the time. 😲 That really surprised me at the time. Thing is, I think the organization encourages racial harmony, but racism is a hard thing to overcome for some when it has been instilled in you from childhood on. A lot like religion 😂

dogisgod

a circuit overseer mentioned that overcoming segregation in the south was very difficult

dogisgod

I did notice in the publications there were no interracial couples when picturing the New System.

SouthCentral

Awesome topic! I grew up in congregations that were 95+ percent black. It was a great experience! I even went to integrated congregations in Southeast Texas… I never experienced any racism at all… Until I moved to the antelope Valley, which is aSuburban 80 miles outside of Los Angeles. I could not believe how many of the friends were biased. In hindsight, it was a horrible experience!

It was disturbing to see that people that I worked with were less racist than God’s chosen Jehovah’s Witnesses (in Palmdale/ Lancaster California)!!

I also heard of (20+ years) black elders that moved to predominantly white areas and despite a letter recommendation, would have to wait a few years before being reappointed.

sparky1

Someone correct me if I am wrong but I don't think that there were any interracial couples at the US Bethels until the mid 1970's. Knorr did not believe in interracial marriages.

Did You Think Jehovah’s Witnesses Were Typically “Racists”?

Share this